The Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) has introduced a 10-year residency permit, known as the ‘Golden Visa’, aimed at attracting foreign investors contributing significantly to the national economy.
The initiative forms part of Ethiopia’s broader economic reform agenda to enhance its appeal for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In an interview with ENA, ICS Deputy Director-General Gosa Demissie said the scheme reflects ongoing institutional reforms designed to align immigration services with international standards and modern technological demands. He noted that the visa offers long-term stability, enabling investors to reside and operate in Ethiopia with minimal bureaucratic constraints.
The Golden Visa, issued as a standardised electronic permit, allows holders greater freedom of movement and reduces administrative bottlenecks. It also positions Ethiopia competitively, as several countries already offer similar long-term residency programmes ranging between five and ten years.
Gosa further disclosed plans to introduce a five-year property visa for foreign nationals investing in real estate, as Ethiopia opens the sector to international participation. He added that the new system will streamline procedures, cut processing times and enhance service efficiency.
The initiative is also expected to improve travel experiences through faster entry and exit procedures, particularly at Bole International Airport. Authorities believe the policy will boost revenue, attract quality investors and support industrial growth.
Alongside the Golden Visa, ICS has rolled out digital payment systems, expedited processing services and improved visa-on-arrival and passport distribution mechanisms to address past inefficiencies. Gosa emphasised that these reforms are geared towards creating a more accessible, investor-friendly environment while strengthening the role of immigration services in national development.